KIRILL KAPRIZOV – Page 6 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Wild Owner Praises “Special Team”

Posted on May 1, 2022 by David Shama

Craig Leipold has owned the Minnesota Wild since 2008. Before that he owned another NHL franchise, the Nashville Predators.

“This is the best team I’ve had in 22 years of owning an NHL (club),” he told Sports Headliners. “It is the full package; very few weaknesses on this team. …It’s a special team and I think special things are going to happen.”

The Wild finished the regular season Friday night with a 53-22-7 record and second place in the Central Division. That’s the franchise’s best record ever. When Leipold owned the Predators they had best seasons of 51 and 49 wins.

The Wild open the playoffs at home Monday night against the St. Louis Blues. Even a casual Wild fan wonders whether this Minnesota team can make a deep playoff run and perhaps win the league’s ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup. That would be a first for the Wild franchise that started as an expansion franchise in the 2000-2001 season.

“It’s a fine line,” Leipold said. “It takes a lot of luck, let’s be honest. It takes a healthy team. It takes a hot goal tender. It takes very opportunistic goals at the right time. And we have the ability to do all of that.

“We don’t have many weaknesses—and our power play and penalty killing I guess would be the two. But five-on-five we’re in the top of the league. You play five-on-five for 80 to 90 percent of the game so I like our chances.

“The first round against the St. Louis Blues is going to be a really good series. If you’re a hockey fan, you’re going to want to watch these two teams play.”

A developing worry since Leipold spoke to Sports Headliners is Friday night’s injury to forward Marcus Foligno. He left the game against the Colorado Avalanche after being kneed in the first period. Part of a shutdown line, his potential absence in the playoffs would be a setback for Minnesota.

Leipold watched his team practice late last week and he saw energized players enjoying themselves, not a group worn down by the grind of the 82-game regular season. “You can tell, they’re just having a great time.”

Leipold hired general manager Bill Guerin in August of 2019. He has renovated the roster and installed former assistant coach Dean Evason as head coach. Guerin, who came from the Pittsburgh Penguins as assistant GM, has shown a discerning eye for both evaluating player talent and character.

Guerin has earned the owner’s trust and confidence in making moves like adding defenseman Dmitri Kulikov last summer. The 31-year-old veteran’s experience and skills were a welcome addition to the roster, and presumably, too, is the Russian’s fit in the locker room where he joined countryman Kirill Kaprizov, last season’s NHL Rookie of the Year.

“Billy knows he’s got the green light to do any of those kinds of deals,” Leipold said. “He doesn’t need my approval for that. He’ll just do that deal. …I was very happy to get a player like Kulikov on our team.”

There is something else about Guerin that impresses Leipold a lot and it’s the GM’s will to win. “He wants to win a Stanley Cup where he is the general manager. Where this is his team. …It’s great to have a GM and a leader in that department that is driven that way.”

Kaprizov led the team in regular season goals, assists and points. He is in the first season of a five-year deal. Kevin Fiala was second in goals and points, and the Wild face a salary cap crunch trying to re-sign the restricted free agent in the off season. “I can tell you when we look at players we want to sign next year, Kevin Fiala is on top of the list,” Leipold said.

The owner can’t be sure he and Guerin will be able to retain Fiala. “If we were unencumbered by a cap system, we would spend whatever it takes to get him. But we live in a salary cap world and Kevin has played himself into a very good contract for next year, and we’ll see where it goes.”

The Wild and other NHL teams went through the worst of financial times at the height of the pandemic when fans weren’t allowed to attend games. Now the Wild are playing before sellout crowds and that’s significant in the NHL where gate receipts are vital to the bottom line.

Leipold said all the home playoff games will be sellouts and his expectation is the same for the 2022-2023 season. “The fans are spectacular. They see in this team a special team as well.”

Worth Noting

Anyone remember a Gopher player performing a song at halftime of a U spring football game? That’s what happened yesterday when sixth-year tight end Sam Pickerign sang on the field while a TV audience watched on the Big Ten Network.

Head coach P.J. Fleck also used his creativity showcasing wide receiver Michael Brown-Stephens who was targeted for numerous passes and also lined up in the backfield while his high school brother, Anthony Brown, watched from the sidelines. Brown is a four-star receiving prospect from Springfield, Ohio who has shown considerable interest in Minnesota.

Brown-Stephens was one of three spring game MVP’s along with defensive back Miles Fleming and kicker Matthew Trickett.

The maroon and gold defenses impressed in the intra-squad game, with defensive line redshirt freshman Austin Booker and Western Kentucky transfer cornerback Beanie Bishop among the standouts.

Byron Buxton apparently likes the month of April. Although the Twins center fielder missed some games with injuries, including yesterday, he played enough to lead the team in home runs and RBI (11). His six homers rank near the top among MLB leaders.

Buxton’s April a year ago was spectacular when he won the American League Player of the Month award. He hit .426, with eight home runs and 14 RBI. He scored 15 runs, with a .466 on-base percentage, an .897 slugging percentage and a 1.363 OPS. He set Twins records for March/April in batting average, slugging percentage and OPS. His OPS broke a Twins record for any month, surpassing Joe Mauer’s 1.338.

Hall of Fame-bound Tony Oliva has signed a partnership agreement with Dan Stoltz and locally based SPIRE Credit Union. Oliva will appear in TV commercials and other promotions for SPIRE.

The baseball Gophers will host Nebraska next weekend for a three-game series at Siebert Field. On Saturday Minnesota will honor past teams including the 1960 Big Ten and NCAA championship team. The Gophers also won national titles in 1956 and 1964. No Big Ten baseball team has won the NCAA championship since 1966.

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Trade Kirk Cousins, Draft Matt Corral

Posted on February 6, 2022February 6, 2022 by David Shama

Daniel House started a blog several years ago devoted to Vikings coverage and since then he has drawn a large following for his new age insights about Minnesota’s NFL team and also the Golden Gophers. House is a workhorse in gathering and interpreting comprehensive information—including analytics—about those two teams. He also has a “library” on other pro and college football teams and players across the nation.

House told Sports Headliners he believes the Vikings, if they have the opportunity, should grab Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral in the upcoming NFL Draft. “That’s the guy I would be going after 100 percent…a quarterback that has the highest upside that could change your franchise if everything clicks and the system fits him well.”

Corral hasn’t been as valued in 2022 mock drafts as a couple of other college quarterbacks. House is puzzled about that but it doesn’t deter him from raving about Corral who played for head coach Lane Kiffin, the quarterback whisperer who attended Bloomington Jefferson High School.

House looks at Corral and sees an athlete with arm strength and pocket presence who played in a quick tempo offense at Mississippi. He praises Corral’s competitive attitude and how teammates rally around him. Invaluable, too, is Corral’s ability to run and make gains out of potential lost yardage situations, while fitting the mobility mold of most successful NFL quarterbacks in today’s game. “That play extension trait is the most important thing, and Corral definitely has that,” House said.

House acknowledges Corral has mechanical things “he can clean up” and that the California native needs to keep improving his accuracy. But House could see the Vikings writing a long-term success story with a franchise rebuild plan that trades away 33-year-old QB Kirk Cousins, replaces him with a “bridge quarterback” for a couple of seasons and develops Corral to take over the position.

NFL trades are allowed starting next month and the Vikings are likely interested in moving on from Cousins. His $45 million salary cap hit is a roadblock to signing other players. Considered a top 12 to 15 NFL quarterback, Cousins has experienced mixed success with the Vikings but might be seen as someone helping another team improve. The Vikings could sweeten a trade deal by paying part of Cousins’ 2022 guaranteed salary.

Several landing spots might be in play including the Browns and Broncos. There are Vikings ties in both places. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was Kirk’s offensive coordinator in 2018 and 2019. New Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah came from the Cleveland front office. Klint Kubiak, Minnesota’s offensive coordinator last season, is now the quarterbacks coach with the Broncos. Former Vikings assistant general manager George Paton is the Denver GM.

A “bridge quarterback” candidate pool could include Baker Mayfield of the Browns. Former Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater, popular with teammates and fans while in Minnesota, is with the Broncos. There are other possibilities with other teams.

When Cousins played for Washington his quarterbacks coach for one season was Kevin O’Connell, now the new Vikings head coach. He worked with Cousins to improve his quarterback’s skills in improvising and mobility. It’s evident, though, that Cousins doesn’t have a high ceiling for extending plays. “He is not that guy…that can go off script,” House said.

More recently as offensive coordinator of the Rams, O’Connell helped develop and direct one of the NFL’s most imaginative offenses, built on attacking the defense all over the field. Having a quarterback who can extend plays is most certainly something O’Connell wants in his Viking quarterbacks.

O’Connell is known for his teaching skills and could welcome a talent like Corral. He also has a young, athletic quarterback on the roster in Kellen Mond who the Vikings selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

In next Sunday’s Super Bowl the Rams play the Bengals, a team that was among the bottom feeders of the NFL for years. But with second year QB whiz Joe Burrow the Bengals have surprisingly earned their way into the big game. The Vikings haven’t been to the Super Bowl since 1977 and to earn their way back will need exceptional quarterback play.

House suggests Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell may well have to take multiple shots at finding their savior. “I think that’s the important thing is trying to throw darts until you hit on a quarterback because if you hit on the right one, you saw what can happen,” House said referring to the success of quarterbacks like Burrow and Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs.

Nanne: Kaprizov Most Exciting Wild Player Ever

Lou Nanne, 80, is the godfather of Minnesota hockey. He was an All-American defenseman for the Golden Gophers, and for the NHL North Stars he was a player, coach, GM and president. At state tournament time he has been the authoritative voice of Minnesota prep hockey for nearly six decades.

When Nanne talks hockey, listen. And the other day he was raving about the Wild’s electric second-season forward Kirill Kaprizov.

“He’s the most exciting player the Wild has ever had to watch,” Nanne told Sports Headliners. “He’s so much fun and he’s got so many different skills. It’s really good that the Wild fans have the opportunity to see him play like this. That’s why you buy tickets is to be entertained and he entertains you.”

Nanne counts the 24-year-old Russian forward among a handful of NHL players who routinely bring fans out of their seats. He joins the appreciative crowds (whether at home or at Xcel Energy Center) in anticipating Kaprizov’s next shift on the ice and what he might do.

On track to becoming a super star, Kaprizov creates magic on the ice with his goal scoring and playmaking. “The fact that he can create stuff out of nothing,” Nanne said. “His speed, his hands, his shot, his head. It just energizes you. …He’s got five years on the contract and it should be a delightful five years watching this guy.”

Starting with Kaprizov’s rookie debut more than a year ago, opponents have tried to double-team and intimidate him. “That doesn’t affect him at all,” Nanne said. “He’s got a low base and center of gravity. He’s got huge thighs and he’s very, very strong on his skates. …He’s like a little truck out there. He’s taken some heavy hits.”

Nanne sees improvement from last season, particularly defensively, by the 5-10, 200-pound Kaprizov who is being showcased at the NHL All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas. “Kirill the Thrill” is joined in Vegas this weekend by teammate Cam Talbot who Nanne ranks a top 10 NHL goalie.

“He is a smart goaltender,” Nanne said. “He knows how to play. The way he cuts his angles, the way he controls rebounds. The way he sets pucks up; when to free the puck. …”

The Wild has a 28-10-3 record. It’s the first time in franchise history to earn 28 wins in the first 41 games. Minnesota’s first season was 2000-2001.

At the halfway mark of the season, Nanne includes the Wild among teams he believes are most likely to earn their way into the Stanley Cup Finals. Others are the Panthers, Avalanche, Golden Knights, Capitals and Lightning.

“Oh, I am really excited about them,” Nanne said about the Wild. “They’re playing so well.”

Minnesota has won six consecutive games but the second half of the schedule will continue to test the team’s abilities, resolve and depth. The Wild must play 40 games in 77 days.

The NHL trade deadline is March 21. The Wild, led by GM Bill Guerin, will apparently be cautious in making a move that could upset the locker room. “This team is a very close team,” Nanne said. “They care about one another and they play for one another. I know that Bill is very concerned about that (team chemistry). What he is going to do is…be extremely calculated—if he does anything—because he likes what he has.”

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Beat the Pack Sunday? Read Here

Posted on November 16, 2021November 16, 2021 by David Shama

If on Sunday the Vikings can pull their season record to 5-5 with a home win over the 8-2 NFC North Division leading Packers, public momentum for sending Mike Zimmer to the unemployment line drops a few notches.

If by a miracle the coach eventually gurus his club to the playoffs, and then wins a couple of postseason games, let’s start a Zim for governor campaign. Maybe even send him directly to the White House.

As of today, Zimmer cronies have no plans to set up 2022 campaign headquarters downtown, or on the Iron Range where his persona is a perfect fit.

Amidst gloomy skies last week I predicted the Vikings to win in SoCal against the Chargers. Mostly I foresaw a desperately needed victory last Sunday because of the 3-5 Vikings’ slick running game and the Chargers’ flimsy ability to defend it.

The Packers look surprisingly improved on defense this fall, and the balance they have added to an always dangerous offense is why NFL.com has Green Bay No. 1 in its power rankings of league teams. The Packers shut out the Seahawks Sunday and in their last five games have given up just 58 points.

Dalvin Cook (photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings)

Something to watch for Sunday is if talented linebacker Rashan Gary’s hyperextended elbow allows him to play and help control Minnesota’s Dalvin Cook. Packer stud offensive tackle David Bakhtari might return after missing all of the season so far.

Put a question mark near Anthony Barr’s name, too. He missed the Chargers game and his presence is important if the Vikings are to slow Packer power back A.J. Dillon (about 250 pounds). More elusive runner Aaron Jones is injured and won’t play.

Zimmer is 6-7-1 in games against the Packers and Aaron (Houdini) Rodgers. “Our guys have to understand that this guy can make every throw,” Zimmer said Monday. “He can use his legs. He’s very, very smart. He can get them in a lot of good things (situations). So we’re gonna have to be tight in coverage but…we can’t give up big plays as well. They’re spreading the ball around a lot.”

Zimmer won’t pull his career record to .500 against the Packers on Sunday. Nope, not unless Rodgers develops COVID again. He was rusty in his return game last Sunday but the Vikings won’t see more of the layoff effect. At 37 he is playing cocky, looking like a sixth grader toying with fourth graders in a backyard football game. He is still the whole package including amazing elusiveness and poise.

Vikes go to 4-6 Sunday and things will look more dicey for a gubernatorial run.

Worth Noting

Zimmer took a phone call from his friend Deion Sanders during yesterday’s news conference. Asked if Sanders and long time pal Bill Parcells are the biggest headliners in his contact list, Zimmer added Kenny Chesney. “I got a few,” the coach said.

Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins passed for 294 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions for a 109.5 rating in the win over the Chargers. Cousins became the sixth player ever with at least two touchdown passes and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in seven consecutive road games.

Here is something Cousins doesn’t receive enough praise for: His durability. Dating back to playing with Washington in 2015, he has been in every regular season game but one.

Taylor Heinicke, the vagabond quarterback who was with the Vikings as an undrafted rookie in 2015, seems to have found solid ground in Washington where as the starter he led the team to a surprise win over the Super Bowl champion Bucs Sunday.

Gophers coach P.J. Fleck gave no indication at his Monday news conference he intends to change starting quarterbacks. During practices backup Zach Annexstad receives significant repetitions but it doesn’t appear he will replace starter Tanner Morgan whose inaccurate passes have become a trend.

Fleck is loyal to Morgan and the two have been through a lot together. The coach values the redshirt senior’s skills in game management and not turning over the ball.

There are passing game issues at receiver, too, and sophomore redshirt WR Dylan Wright who showed playmaking ability earlier in the year is now used sparingly with indications he isn’t meeting expectations. “Guys earn their playing time,” Fleck answered briefly when responding to a question about Wright’s status.

Stats whiz Daniel House from the Gophers Guru website reports Minnesota ranks 116th in explosive plays out of 130 college football teams.

Fleck reported no significant injuries from the Iowa game, leaving the assumption everyone could be ready for Indiana in Bloomington on Saturday. “We came out pretty healthy.”

Minnesota hockey legend Lou Nanne, 80, enjoys part of the year at his condo in Florida that is just a few miles from the residence of former Gophers football coach Glen Mason, who is also back and forth between Minneapolis and the “sunshine state.”

The former North Stars president and GM remains captivated by second-season Wild forward Kirill Kaprzov. “He’s got skills very few players have,” Nanne said.

Nanne said the NHL Western Conference race is so tight with competitive teams. “It’s going to be crazy.”

The Wild? “They’ll definitely make the playoffs,” he said.

The Land O’Lakes Center for Excellence has many Gophers athletes walk through its halls every day. It’s a welcoming place where athletes greet and open doors for one another and visitors. On one wall are paper signs people have written about what it means to belong. (See photo).

The Wild, Wolves, Gophers hockey and basketball are facing ticket selling challenges. A hockey industry source said season ticket totals for the Wild and Wolves are unusually low at less than 8,000 each. Empty seats at Gopher hockey are some of the best in the arena. Gophers basketball is under 6,000 public season tickets.

With Stan Bowman out as GM for the 2022 US Olympic men’s hockey team it seems Wild boss Bill Guerin could move up from assistant GM.

The Wild can break series ties with rivals this week at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild face the Sharks (34-34-8 all-time) tonight and Thursday evening the Stars (33-33-13). The Stars game is a homecoming for defenseman Ryan Suter who is second all-time in franchise assists for the Wild, and second in points and games played.

Chris Wright, the recently retired United executive and before that president of the Timberwolves, will keep homes in Eden Prairie and Naples, Florida, plus visiting his 98-year-old mom in his native England.

Dave Mona, former co-host of the “WCCO Radio Sports Huddle,” will co-host with wife Linda a Fan in the Stands trip for the station and Holiday Vacations to Fort Myers to watch Twins spring training March 15-20.

Dick Jonckowski, Minnesota’s prominent master of ceremonies, emcees the Minnesota Old Timers Hockey luncheon at Mancini’s Char House November 22.

Lynx GM and coach Cheryl Reeve was the keynote speaker Friday at the annual meeting of the Twin Cities Compensation Network. Her comments included gender equity.

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